The heavy rain poured down, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Count Argyle’s family was having dinner punctually at eight o’clock in the evening. By the time they finished their meal, it was already ten o’clock.
Led by the Countess, they moved to the living room, warmed by the fire in the fireplace. The cold rain outside seemed more gentle under the cozy light.
Lady Argyle looked somewhat worried and accepted the tea brought by her personal maid. She asked, “My dear, has Zong been sleeping in his room the whole day? Is he alright?”
The Count put down his book and instructed his loyal male servant, “Danny, go check on the young master, please.”
Before his personal valet could respond, the Count’s younger son had already stood up and said, “Dad, I’ll go.”
He appeared somewhat anxious, only exhaling in relief after the Count nodded.
The Count and his wife and daughters teased, “Sino is as clingy to his cousin as ever.”
While the ladies exchanged jokes, there were three knocks at the front door.
The butler went to open the door, and a fierce gust of wind and rain accompanied by the howling wind entered. The meticulous butler frowned and asked, “Who are you?”
Standing outside was a tall man dressed in a well-tailored black suit, covered by a long black overcoat. Rainwater had soaked him thoroughly, and droplets trickled from his wet hat, landing on his already damp black curls.
His hat was low, hiding most of his features, leaving only a glimpse of his pale chin.
This was a well-dressed man, thought the butler, evident from his attire even in his current disheveled state.
The man smiled faintly and with a hoarse voice, he said, “I apologize for the intrusion. May I seek shelter for the night?”
The butler thought it improper to leave a guest waiting in the rain outside, so he stepped aside to let the man enter. He then hurried to the living room and informed the curious Count’s family, “Sir, this gentleman would like to stay here for the night to escape the sudden downpour.”
The Count smiled and said, “Of course.”
The butler went over, took the suitcase from the man’s hand, and helped him remove his soaked overcoat. The man comfortably enjoyed the butler’s assistance. He removed his hat with his right hand and placed it over his chest, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.”
He had a pair of deep and captivating deep blue eyes, pale skin, slightly tinted red lips, and wet black curls that danced by his ears with his movements. He carried himself with grace, pleasing everyone’s hearts.
The Count’s two daughters discreetly adjusted their skirts.
The Count added, “This poor gentleman, why don’t you let Danny show you to change your clothes?”
The man took a couple of steps towards the living room but suddenly stopped, closing his eyes in ecstasy. He raised his prominent nose, saying, “Truly enchanting fragrance.”
It had brought him over from hundreds of meters away with sheer force.
The Count’s eldest daughter smiled and asked, “Have you not had dinner?”
The man opened his gem-like eyes and replied, “You see, even if I had eaten a whole cow, I couldn’t resist this delightful fragrance.”
His wet clothes had dampened a part of the floor, and the butler reminded him, “You should go change your clothes first.”
As he finished speaking, there came Sino’s voice from the stairs, barely containing his excitement, “Cousin, please come downstairs quickly.”
All heads turned upward.
A young boy led the way, and following him was a man with a strong presence.
The man coming down the stairs had the kind of charm that made people fall in love at first sight.
He was dressed in a well-fitted shirt and waistcoat, without the constraint of a suit jacket, which perfectly showcased his vibrant yet understated aura of masculinity. His sharp gaze, chiseled features, and a hint of a lethal aura in his presence made it impossible to look away. At this moment, he lazily listened to the boy while buttoning his cuff, every move giving ample reasons to keep one’s gaze fixed on him.
Count Argyle finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Zong, please have a seat here. It looks like Sino has a way to get you downstairs.”
Zong Yuan took the glass of brandy handed to him by the Count. “Uncle, aren’t I just expressing my longing for all of you?”
Countess Argyle playfully teased him. “You always evade the main point.”
The man exhaled softly, and a strong fragrance surrounded his entire body. He didn’t hear the butler’s urging words but walked straight to Zong Yuan. He wore a perfect smile and looked into Zong Yuan’s eyes, seemingly filled with endless affection. “Good evening, sir. My name is Grad. Nice to meet you.”
He tried to control his breathing, which was about to get out of hand.
Zong Yuan shifted his gaze to him and nodded slightly. “Hello.”
Only now did Grad notice the mysterious and noble black pupils in Zong Yuan’s eyes.
Zong Yuan asked, “Would you like to change into some dry clothes, sir?”
The butler said, “I’ll take him to change right away.”
Zong Yuan took a sip of brandy and assessed the stranger’s figure. “There’s a suit in my room that should fit him. You can have Eric fetch it.”
The butler replied, “Certainly, sir.”
Grad’s slender fingers brushed against his hat brim, and his deep blue pupils looked sincere. “Thank you.”
Sino emerged from behind, taking Zong Yuan’s arm and politely smiling at Grad. “Cousin, you haven’t told me about your experiences in Asia yet.”
Zong Yuan, led by Sino, sat down, letting Sino pull up his sleeves.
—
Grad followed the butler upstairs, and as they went further, the butler became increasingly uncomfortable. He asked, “Sir, why don’t I hear the sound of your footsteps as you walk?”
Grad seemed to have been asked this question many times before, and he sighed, “You can rest assured that I walk very lightly, and the excellent quality of the carpet you’ve laid for the Count also contributes to the fact that you can’t hear my footsteps.”
The butler breathed a sigh of relief and brought him to the front of Zong Yuan’s door, saying, “Please wait here for a moment. I’ll go get Eric.”
Grad nodded.
He stood silently in the corridor, staring at the door, with an intense focus, as if he could see inside through the door.
—
The Count’s eldest daughter was named Chloe, and the second daughter was called Yves Beissa. They looked at Zong Yuan sitting across from them and couldn’t help but feel a little shy. Chloe asked, “Cousin, have you had dinner?”
Yves Beissa added, “Eric personally delivered it in the evening. Don’t you know?”
She turned her head and gave a sweet smile, “Cousin, the things you brought me are really exquisite, but I don’t quite understand them. Can you explain them to me?”
Sino interjected on Zong Yuan’s behalf, “Sister, Cousin has promised to tell me a story”
Zong Yuan was always biased in favor of Sino, a fact that the entire Argyle family was well aware of. Indeed, Zong Yuan said, “We’ll discuss Yves’ matters tomorrow. Right now, I have to deal with this child.”
0046 couldn’t help but feel that Zong Yuan’s favoritism was not subtle enough.
Sino bore a striking resemblance to Fu Xin, even sharing some similarities in character.
In this world, it was so easy to find a loved one, but Zong Yuan felt an inexplicable resistance.
After changing his clothes, Grad descended the stairs gracefully. He had a polished appearance and could be described as pretty and exquisite. However, his skin still looked pale, as if he might collapse at any moment.
“Wow.” Several ladies whispered in amazement, covering their mouths.
Although his appearance had been somewhat evident earlier, there was still some disarray. However, now, at a glance, the intense red, white, and blue colors deeply entered their eyes, making him an impressive gentleman.
Grad gracefully walked to the sofa. “I am truly grateful for your generosity.”
Zong Yuan smiled. “You’re welcome.”
The Countess invited Grad to sit down, and Grad did so without hesitation, engaging in conversation with the Count and Countess.
Zong Yuan, who had been talking to the side, turned to look at him and asked, “Are you very hungry?”
He could even hear the guest’s swallowing sound.
However, noble families typically started dinner no later than nine o’clock, and it was clear that this time had passed. Zong Yuan stood up, gesturing for him to follow. “Let’s go, Mr. Grad. There should be some food in my room to fill your stomach.”
Grad followed him in a joyful mood, his black curls blocking half of his vision. “You’re so kind.”
He paused for a moment. “Oh, my little suitcase?”
Danny handed it to him. “Sir, your accommodations are ready, just the second-to-last room on the second floor.”
Grad took the suitcase. “Thank you.”
Zong Yuan’s gaze swept over the suitcase. “Aren’t you going to open it to see if it’s wet?”
Grad nonchalantly carried it. “It’s fine; these are just some unimportant things.”
Zong Yuan had no interest in delving into other people’s belongings. He set down the untouched dinner. “If you have no other business, you can dine in your room now.”
The mention of dining seemed to stir his appetite, and Zong Yuan could clearly sense his eagerness.
Grad placed the tray and luggage on the floor, opening his arms. “May I give you a thankful hug?”
Zong Yuan offered a nobleman’s fake smile. “Of course.”
He took a step forward and embraced Grad perfunctorily and briefly, then spoke with a somewhat commanding tone. “Mr. Grad, you should go now.”
Grad bent to pick up his belongings and lightly licked his lips. “Goodnight, sir.”
—
Back in his room, he moved with ease in the darkness. He casually placed the dinner tray on the table and meticulously opened his small suitcase.
Inside were well-preserved iron cans, all tightly sealed.
He sighed, took out a wine glass, and used his fingernail to open one of the cans. With skill, he poured its contents into the glass.
The bright red liquid emitted a fragrance that only Grad could detect.
It was rich, enticing, and belonged to the virgin from yesterday afternoon.
Glad swirled the wine glass, and his deep blue irises slowly turned into a blood-red hue, gleaming with a wild, beastly light.
He could still smell the alluring scent of the young master who had tempted him so much.
After feasting on delicacies, who could swallow humble fare?
He sipped the liquid in the glass, holding back his fangs that wanted to emerge.
Delicious things were best savored at their most exquisite moment.
After all, he had endured the rain for so long.
Author’s note:
Brother Yuan is dominant in this world because of his experience leading troops in his past life, so he might appear somewhat forceful. Here comes the drama! 🐶